Hello! Welcome to Dontmissmyplate.

Thank you for visiting my website! I'm Maxine, a food blogger, home cook, travel enthusiast, and lover of food and culture. I’m passionate about fusion cuisine, a style of cooking that blends ingredients and techniques from different countries, regions, and traditions.

My approach is influenced by both Southern African and American cooking, shaped by my life experiences and reflected in the diversity of my recipes. I also focus on farm-to-table cooking, using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. I believe food tastes best when it’s in season and close to its origin.

Travel plays a big role in how I cook and create. I love sharing my food adventures, from what I’ve eaten to where to eat, while discovering new flavors, cultures, and techniques that continue to inspire me.

I hope this space feels helpful and inspiring. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar or ready to try something new, you’ll find plenty to explore here. Happy cooking!

Mansa Kunda - Takoma Park, MD

Mansa Kunda - Takoma Park, MD

dontmissmyplate
African, Black-owned, Maryland

Mansa Kunda is a much-needed West African food restaurant located in Takoma Park, Maryland. African food in general, as vast and diverse as it is, still has a relatively low profile. There is, however, something for everyone and this spot is a microcosm of that.

Rating: 4 star plates 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️

You can get a range of West African dishes at this spot, here are the ones I tried. Definitely get the fish pies those are delicious, get as many as you like they are snack size. Be sure to ask for the chili sauce to go with them, the spice enhances everything and they are definitely not dry at all. For a main if you like chicken and are looking for something comforting, try the tomato-based chu stew which is a traditional Gambian/Senegalese dish. Finally for dessert, order one of their cakes! Best cake I had all year (2020). If you like sorrel, that will brighten your day.

Deep-fried fish pie and chili sauce

Deep-fried fish pie and chili sauce

One of my favourite bites I highly recommend. The fish pie with chili sauce. It’s rich and crunchy, the perfect appetizer.

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Chu - Traditional Sene-Gambian tomato-based stew with spiced vegetables and steamed rice

Chu - Traditional Sene-Gambian tomato-based stew with spiced vegetables and steamed rice

There are a lot of options when you are looking for an entrée, and you can get specific if you want something from a particular country within the West African region. I tried a simple chicken stew out of Senegal and Gambia, it was a generous portion enough for two. Delicious, but a little light on the seasoning, or salt at least.

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When you are dining in you get to see the chairs, which are actually drums, very appropriate, and cool.

Hibiscus (bisap) layer cake

Hibiscus (bisap) layer cake

If you take away anything, take home some cake! They have some of the most creative cake flavours I have ever seen in a restaurant. If I could recommend one, it would be the bissap cake. If you are a fan of hisbus and floral notes, you will love this deeply flavorful, moist cake.





Cane - H Street, Washington D.C.

Cane - H Street, Washington D.C.
Brewer's Alley - Frederick, MD

Brewer's Alley - Frederick, MD
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